Norway's study permit for international students. While tuition was historically free for all at public universities, since 2023 non-EU/EEA students face tuition fees. EU/EEA students still study for free, paying only a minimal semester fee (~NOK 1,000). Norway offers high living standards but correspondingly high living costs.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: free tuition, only semester fee of ~NOK 1,000 (~USD 105). Non-EU/EEA: NOK 80,000-250,000/yr (USD 8,400-26,150) since 2023 policy change. From 2025, government removed the national tuition mandate, allowing each university to decide independently whether to charge non-EU students. PhD programs remain free for all nationalities.
20 hours per week during academic year, including remote work. Full-time during official holidays and breaks. Work permission is automatic with the study permit, no separate permit needed. Self-employment not permitted on study permit.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job Seeker Permit for Graduates | Job seeker | 12mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | No section below 5.0 |
| Bergenstest (Norwegian proficiency) | Admission | Norwegian | Pass (B2) | Required for Norwegian-taught programs. Bergenstest (Test i norsk - hoyrere niva) or equivalent B2 certification. Many universities offer free Norwegian language courses for international students. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Permit Application Fee | Application | $565 | One time |
| Semester Fee | Registration | $105 | Per semester |
Apply online via UDI self-service portal, then visit embassy/police for biometrics. Norway is not an EU member but is in EEA and Schengen. Study permit time does not count toward permanent residence. D-number issued upon registration for tax/administrative purposes. Personnummer (personal number) issued after Folkeregisteret registration for stays of 6+ months. TB test required for nationals of countries with high TB incidence.
- Independent Contractor Visa (digital nomad visa)
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source